Merry May is underway in a big way with Mother’s Day, spring ballet and music as college students exit and school winds down. Summer is wafting just around the corner.
Here’s a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, press releases, the Council on Culture & Arts, online listings and elsewhere.
1. Mother’s Day weekend with Tallahassee Ballet
Sophia Lutinski will dance the lead role in Tallahassee Ballet’s “Coppélia,” performing Mother’s Day weekend, May 9–10, 2026.
The Tallahassee Ballet brings a fresh and thought-provoking take on the beloved classic “Coppélia,” performing Mother’s Day weekend with a live orchestra.
Shows are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, (abbreviated performance); 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, 222 S Copeland St.
This production reexamines the 19th-century comedy through a distinctly modern lens—exploring themes of artificial intelligence, human connection, and what it truly means to be alive.
Based on a fairytale by E. T. A. Hoffmann, Coppélia has long been celebrated as one of ballet’s most charming and humorous works, family-friendly, and appropriate for all ages. Yet beneath its lighthearted exterior lies a deeply relevant story of love, growth, and the complexities of human relationships—now resonating more than ever in an era shaped by rapidly advancing technology.
Tickets are $33-$80 and must be purchased in advance. Visit tallahasseeballet.org.
2. Pick out handmade treasures at Tallahassee Pottery Market
The Tallahassee Pottery Market spring event at United Church will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Looking for Mother’s Day crockery? The Tallahassee Pottery Market returns for its annual Spring 2026 Market from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, bringing together some of the region’s finest ceramic artists for a vibrant, community-driven celebration of handmade pottery and ceramic wares.
The one-day event offers shoppers the opportunity to meet local clay artists, explore a wide range of functional and sculptural ceramics, and purchase unique, handcrafted work directly from the makers.From everyday mugs and dinnerware to sculptural pieces, garden art, and statement vessels, the market highlights the diversity and creativity of the Big Bend’s clay community. Visit tallahasseepottery.wixsite.com.
3. Chomp N Stomp Festival at Palaver Tree Theater
Hot Tamale will perform at the Stomp N Chomp at Palaver Tree Theater at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The Chomp N Stomp Festival, an annual music event held to raise funds to support the Palaver Tree Theater, 59 Shadeville Road, in Crawfordville, takes places starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9. The Palaver Tree is a treasured community gathering place and venue for many different kinds of events.
Performers at the Chomp N Stomp include Frank Lindamood, Bruce Graybeal, Hot Tamale, Due Artisti, the Dusty Gravelers, the Humble Road Band, and the Deadmen. There will be food trucks, a free keg of beer, plenty of friendly folks, and great live music. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be reserved at palavertreetheater.org.
4. Sweet sounds at Blue Tavern
Dolce Trio a three-piece Tallahassee group featuring Kelly Goddard, Elizabeth Fravel and Gillian Canning, plays Blue Tavern at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
Kick off your happy hour Friday with Brian Durham & Chris Skene at 5 p.m. May 8 at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., then stick around at 8 p.m. for Songwriters in the Round featuring the women of Dolce Trio: Gillian Canning, Elizabeth Fravel & Kelly Goddard. Host Craig Daniel Hardin is back for another song trip with local songwriters as they share the trio writing experience. $10 cover.
Corey Hall Trio will play Blue Tavern at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 8, 2026.
Old Time Jam cranks up at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, followed at 8 p.m. by Corey Hall Trio with Foot Stompin’ roots-blues from Panama City. $10 cover.
5. Funkadelic Visions and downtown music
Opening Reception
George Clinton’s “Funkadelic Visions” will be on display at LeMoyne Arts with an opening reception at 5 p;m. Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Give up the funk when LeMoyne Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St., holds the opening reception for “Funkadelic Visions” featuring George Clinton from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Dress in your funkiest fashion! Enjoy live music by the Bay Kings Band, catering by Boards by Alexis, and a specialty signature cocktail created for the occasion, along with our in-house bar serving throughout the evening.
“Funkadelic Visions” brings together the vibrant, imaginative visual artwork of music legend George Clinton alongside a dynamic selection of talented regional artists. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to funk music and visual art, Clinton infuses this exhibition with the same bold, boundary-pushing creativity that defines his legacy.
Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves will perform in Lewis Park from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Keep the fun going after the Funkadelic Visions opening around the corner, in Lewis Park from 7-9 p.m, May 14, for the Levitt AMP Tallahassee: Music Under the Oaks series. The third concert of the outdoor music series features Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves. McDonald is an American singer-songwriter from Alabama, now based in Nashville, known for his rich, raspy voice and roots-infused songwriting that blends Americana, rock, gospel-tinged energy, and poetic storytelling. The series runs on 2nd and 4th Thursdays until July. More information about this series at TallahasseeArts.org.
OTHER EVENTS
American Legion Hall: Old school rockin’ soul aficionados, The Rhythm Remedy, cruises into the American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9. The band is comprised of journeymen players including Mark Blair on vocals, Mike Brawer on bass, Perry Osborn on guitar, Stephen VanGorder on keys, Greg Moore on drums, with Bill Landing and Tom Buchanan on horns. Cover is $10.
Amicus Brewing: Queen of Hearts, 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 717 S Gadsden St.
Fish Camp: Permanent Summer, 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 12062 Waterfront Drive, followed at 5:30 p.m by One Eyed Jak. It’s Mother’s Day weekend and Teacher Appreciation Week, and there’s no better reason to get out and celebrate.
Havana History & Heritage Museum: Month-long exhibit presented in partnership with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, now on display through May 31. This exhibit offers visitors an authentic and immersive look at Miccosukee history, culture, and contemporary life through artifacts, storytelling, and curated displays developed in collaboration with the Tribe — whose exhibits have been featured at museums across the region. 204 2nd St NW, Havana. Free and open to the public.
Misbehaved Circus in Tallahassee: Misbehaved Circus is bringing its bold, 16+ show to Tallahassee, opening May 14 at Governor’s Square. With a mix of jaw-dropping circus skills, shameless humor, burlesque flair, and high-energy performances. Opening night kicks off a limited run with tickets now available online. Visit misbehavedcircus.com.
Revival will play at NorthFlora Collective in Railroad Square at 8 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026.
NorthFlora Collective: 8-11 p.m. Friday, May 8, Revival, 609 Railroad Square.
Ouzts’ Too Oyster Bar and Grill in Newport, Fla., next to the St. Marks River, is shown on March 3, 2024.
Ouzts Too Oyster Bar and Grill: Mother’s Day weekend Newport Jam at Ouzts with The Whatnots, Driving Blind; mullet toss and food and beer specials. 12:30-7 p.m. Saturday, May 9. 7968 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville.
Quincy Music Theater: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, 7:30 p.m. May 8-17, 118 E. Washington St., Quincy. Tickets are $22-$17. Visit quincymusictheatre.thundertix.com.
Salty Dawg: Famous Acoustic Jam, 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 3813 N Monroe St.
Seminole Radio Control Club: TAG (Takeoff and Grow) program in association with the Academy of Model Aeronautics, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday May 9, Apalachee Regional Park. The goal is to introduce young people (12-18) and adults to flying remote control aircraft. Event is free. Lunch will be provided.
Wakulla Community Theater: Classic Broadway musical “Annie,” opening on Friday, May 8, at the Sopchoppy Theatre, 164 Yellow Jacket Road, Sopchopping, offering audiences of all ages a heartwarming theatrical experience. Showtimes: Friday & Saturdays at 7 p.m. | Sunday Matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets: $25. Visit WakullaCommunityTheater.org.
Have an event coming up? Email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Top 5 fun things to do around Tallahassee this weekend